In part one of this series, we took a look at the mixed results when agricultural fibers were substituted for wood fibers in the manufacture of composite wood panel products, such as particleboard and medium-density fiberboard. We also saw how efforts are being made to substitute non-added formaldehyde) binders in lieu of formaldehyde (CH2O)-the standard binder (adhesive) in wood panel products.
In part two, we examined how the advent of "tight construction" has contributed significantly to indoor air pollution while, at the same time, it has increased energy efficiency significantly making it a double-edged sword. As well, we discussed a new commercially available particleboard from Roseburg Forest Products called SkyBlend and how it makes use of phenol formaldehyde rather than standard urea formaldehyde as a binder thus reducing considerably the harmful effects of formaldehyde off gassing into the indoor environment. This month, we'll review the NAF composite wood panel products available on the market.